Thoughts on an Easter Sunday

I have two quick experiences/reflections running through my head today I want to share:
First, I spent about an hour of my Easter morning volunteering at our local animal shelter. I have been smitten with this shaggy, partially deaf and blind, little dog, who admittedly looks a little worse for the wear. He seems to be an older fellow, and he was found wandering through a busy part of town when he was brought into the shelter. I wanted to specifically spend some time with him; that was my "catch" if my time was needed on Easter morning--that I got to play with this little guy. As I felt his matted, scabby coat, looked into his cloudy, blinded eyes, I felt so sad for him--how could someone cast him out like that? Such a sweet little guy, roaming our town in such shape, because someone was cruel and uncaring. It really bothered me as he and I walked, as I stroked his fur, and on the way home. But, then I found solace...he, along with so many others, is the reason why the no-kill philosophy needs to be adopted everywhere. What would another shelter have done? More than likely, they would have taken one look at him and euthanized him. He would have been deemed "unadoptable," and that would have been the end of it. I know that. And it is the no-kill concept that enabled me to scratch his ears and his back, to give him love and time, to ache for his need for a home--without it, I more than likely would never have known this wonderful boy that I have nicknamed Sam.

(Sam. If I could have him/provide him what he needs, I would take him in an instant. Pic by my friend, Peter.)

Second, and I prefer to keep the where and the who confidential, I found myself feeling like a heel today. I take a lot of pride in finding nice clothes for reasonable prices for my children. I like it when they look nice. I love buying them gifts, and presents, and relishing the holidays with them. But, I had an experience where I realized not all children are so blessed to have these small things--an Easter dress, or a basket, or chocolate, and the thing is--these kids aren't some news story--they are around us, they live here, they share our spaces. Here I was, priding myself that each of my kids had two Easter outfits, like some spoiled mother, and I saw children who more than likely saw today as just another day. I focus so much on what my kids have, and do, and wear, and there are so many kids who lack these things, who lack special little treats, or knowing they are loved, or who don't have parents who care about their basic needs. And I was so worried about whether or not my baby's Easter dresses were dressy enough? Or whether my son's basket had "enough" in it? These kids in need aren't some sad story on a commercial--they are HERE. The question is, how do we change our own mentality, and how do we help them?

Am I An Example?

My friends and I were discussing Easter egg hunts, and essentially, how they have often turned into a free-for-all, where greedy children are encouraged by even greedier parents to go to great lengths to find eggs at any cost, and how this is even starting to be seen in the toddler age hunts. This has also been apparent to me and other parents during trick-or-treat, where children push their way ahead of others, as clueless parents play dumb when their little darlings are knocking over preschoolers to get more candy, or who take way more than their share when given the opportunity.
As we discussed this, we talked about how this often boils down to a parent's example to their children. When the parent is eagerly pushing their child to get as much as they can, no matter what, what else will a kid learn along the way? The discussion focused so much on the concept of being an example, and at first, my cynical self was feeling more than ready to condemn others, judging from past experiences I have had (although our church's egg hunt was SPECTACULAR today), but then it dawned on me...
What kind of example am I for my children? Maybe I'm alright during Halloween, or an egg hunt, or a play date. But, am I good example of patience, or compassion, or understanding? Do my kids see me say "no" to something I want, or do they see me pick it up and put it in the buggy anyway, whether it is in the budget or not? Do they see me react in love or anger? Do they hear me judging others? Do they see a productive mom, or a lazy one? Will they see a mom with self-discipline and restraint? Will they learn how to take care of a home and others by my example?
Obviously, this is something that I think we all can work on with our little ones. I know I need to be a better example to them. It's not always about egg hunts or holidays. It's what they see in us when they are the only ones watching.

Flaxseed Pillows, Homemade Baby Washcloths, and Procrastination

In January, I bought $30 of flaxseed, fabric, and ribbon to make flaxseed pillows for our family, and for my mom, whose birthday was in February. I bought one of these said pillows at a local Mennonite-run grocery and bakery, and I fell in love with the idea of having (and making) more of these pillows to ease aches and pains. Pinterest provided me with the directions, and I thought I was ready to go.
Three months later, and the project remains untouched. I ended up buying my mom a Yankee Candle tartlet warmer, and the pillow project remained in the hall closet all this time. At this same grocer and also via a friend, I obtained some homemade baby wipes/washcloths for my Bean, and I was inspired yet again. I bought the materials at JoAnn's to make a dozen baby washcloths for less than $6.
I have such a desire now to learn to sew. I just need the willpower to sit down and tackle these projects. It would be such an accomplishment for my completely un-crafty (non-crafty?) self to learn such a helpful skill. Even my husband sews better than I do. Wish me luck in this endeavor. I will learn to sew, darn it!
UPDATE: Went back to JoAnn's, bought more fabric while it was massively on sale. ;)

Words of Wisdom

I saw this on Facebook. Not sure of the original author, and I'm too sleepy to look it up, but I have to post it...words to live by:

"The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday."

Easter Picture FAIL

I asked Goob to hold his sister during the group photo with the Easter Bunny at Story Time. He chose to look at his goody bag instead and dropped her. I have a pic of this in action. They are the two on the far left. Easter picture FAIL. ;)

But I Want to Do It All!

I've been having a battle with myself for the last few weeks. Here are some excerpts from the arguments:
-I am going to get the house completely clean in the next few weeks! I am motivated to fulfill this goal, and I want to have an organized, clutter-less home that we can have as a sanctuary from the everyday world. But I want a nap! Oh, I so need a nap! I am never, ever going to get this done. There have been nine hampers of laundry sitting in my living room for days on end. Days! Everyone else can manage to keep THEIR houses clean. Why can't I? If I was a better wife and mother, I could do this, but I can't, and I'm not.
-I resolve to be more patient and loving toward my children. I want to spend more quality time with them and be the mother that they deserve. I will not lose my temper, and will keep my frustrations in check. Oh. My. Freaking. Goodness. HOW many more slats can a four year old tear out of my mini-blinds? Whaaaaaaat? ANOTHER one?? WHY does he have to hide things all over my house? If I see another Hot Wheels car or Lego out of place, I will LOSE. MY. MIND. And WHY WON'T THE BABY NAP?? AAAARRRGGGHHH. Look at this mom beside me at Story Time. SHE has it all together. Her kids are so good, and so calm, and she is just great with her children. Why can't I be like THAT?
-I am going to be a Survival Mom. I am going to have my family prepared in the event of an emergency. We will have a food storage, and 72 hours kits. I want to learn to sew, and make my own bread, and grind and mill my own flour. I will feed my family healthier foods, and we will be more environmentally conscious, and I will be productive and tackle every problem that comes our way with grace, confidence, and fortitude. ANNNNNNTS. We have ants. And I pretty much have let the ladybugs take over our home. Consider this the end of the world as I know it. If we had to live off of our food storage longer than a few months, we'd starve. I don't know what to do with all of this wheat. What happens if my kids, like, randomly lose a limb while playing? What would I do then? Do I know first aid? I don't know first aid. That does it. We're going to die. And I'm pretty sure our neighbor is ape-poop crazy after that argument she just started with us for no reason. I'm now creeped out. And WHY DOESN'T MY FOOD STORAGE LOOK LIKE THAT ONE DOES? They have everything. That person is so prepared.
-I will be more self-reliant. I will not spend money frivolously. I will pay my bills on time, catch up the past due ones, and get out of debt. I will not make stupid financial decisions. I will be smart with my money. I will never splurge. We will have a savings on hand in emergencies, and this will happen soon. Will this debt never end? Ohhh, another bill past due. I'm such a failure. Credit score? Ha! Can a score be negative 'cause I'm pretty sure mine is. I'm on a first name basis with bill collectors. Ugh. Another medical bill. I want to eat out. Oh, I just ate out. I'm a financial failure. Why do I spend so much money all the time? Why does it not get better?
-I will be a loving, compassionate wife to my husband. I will be more productive, work to take better care of myself, and become a better lover. I will be on the top of my game at all times, and be happy for him, and not burden him. You want me to do WHAT? I am NOT doing THAT right now, thankyouverymuch. I am too busy. Oh, I have been sick for weeks. I need to sleep so much more these days. I bet he hates me. He probably doesn't believe me. My libido is so low, and I am failing him. I want to be with him, but feel dreadful. What's wrong with me? But, like HECK I am sleeping with him. Puh-lease. I am too, too tired, and I feel like crap. He can do the dishes for me. I just can't do it all.
This is the discussion that runs through my head on a nearly daily basis. I think it does for all of us at some point in our lives or another--the desire to do it all, but the inability to do so because of too many goals, sickness, circumstances beyond our control. It's a balance--learning to improve ourselves while allowing ourselves to be human and make mistakes. I just wish I knew how to strike that balance sometimes. Hopefully, someday, I'll figure it out. Add it to the list, I suppose.

Preserving Eggs

While watching Doomsday Preppers, I noticed one of their featured preppers preserving eggs, stating that by merely rubbing them with mineral oil, the eggs would keep for about nine months without refrigeration.
I saw that and was immediately skeptical. I went to work to see if I could debunk this theory, and I was actually surprised to learn that there is truth to it.
According to Oregon State University's Extension Office, you can find oil that is specifically created for preserving eggs, or you can use light mineral oil. The oil needs to be odorless, but it does not need to be colorless. Put the oil into a bowl or some other open container, and dip the eggs (fully submerge them) into the oil. (They recommend using a wire food basket to dip the eggs.) Allow them to drain on a rack for a couple minutes, then place back in the egg case small end down to protect the little air pocket in the big end of the egg. The eggs can be stored at room temperature or cooler.
For the original source, check out this website: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/lane/sites/default/files/images/lc105.pdf
Who knew?